Waltham home damaged in fire to be demolished

The building damaged in last Wednesday's Ash Street fire was still standing Friday, as Building Department officials awaited a demolition application from owners.

The building damaged in last Wednesday's Ash Street fire was still standing Friday, as Building Department officials awaited a demolition application from owners.

The early morning fire, at 145 Ash St., ripped through the building’s third floor and displaced 20 residents from the three-family home. Seven people were taken to the hospital and one woman was critically injured, officials said.

The building was scheduled for demolition last Thursday, but was delayed as insurance agents wanted to do a personal investigation. After the insurance company rescinded its request earlier this week, officials said, the Building Department is now waiting for a demolition application from building owners to raze the three-story home.

Given the building's heavy structural damage, it must come down, Fire Chief Paul Ciccone said earlier this week.

Patrick Powell, of the Building Department, said Friday they hadn’t yet received the application.

Fire Lt. Scott Perry said Friday the investigation is ongoing and officials have not determined a cause yet.

Ciccone said Wednesday the condition of the critically injured victim was improving.